I’ve come up with a theory that says that all food bloggers who are not hosting Thanksgiving get sucked into a big black hole for the month of November. As non-hosts we’re not in the position to post a month’s worth of Thanksgiving menu prep, and no one seems to care about anything else. From this hole we try to shout, “Ahem! Is this thing on? Is anyone out there listening?” but like in any bad dream, our voices are stifled. Since no one seems to care about recipes that aren’t intended for a Thanksgiving table, I wonder, do I keep my fingers away from the keyboard till it passes? In that case, do I wait until January 1st since I won’t be posting about Christmas cookies either?

Nah, I won’t do that. Instead I’ll tell you about other important things going on this month. Because it’s not all about turkey. (Don’t get me wrong, I do love me some turkey. But honoring long-standing family traditions, I won’t be the one hosting Thanksgiving anytime in the foreseeable future.)

Did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month?

No? That’s ok. I didn’t either until Jessica from A Sweet Life contacted me about sharing some recipes. I am not diabetic, but you all know that I have a sweet spot (pun intended) for cooking recipes that many people can enjoy, regardless of food allergies or other dietary restrictions. I don’t believe in cooking “special”, separate things to satisfy those who can’t eat “normal” food; rather I like to show you how easy it can be to make food that everyone at the table can enjoy without being concerned about ingredients. So it was with pride that I learned I could share some of my recipes with the Diabetes community, and at the same time, give you ideas for delicious low-sugar recipes that everyone will love, diabetic or not.

But before we get to the goodies, I want to share with you a few facts to think about during the month of November:

*Diabetes affects 8.3% of the US population, or 1 in every 400 children and adults*The majority of diabetics are type 2, a condition which can develop during adulthood as a result of a variety of factors. But there is a significant population with type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. This condition can present in individuals with or without a family history.

When diabetes is not treated or controlled, can cause many other complications, such as:*Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness and kidney failure in adults *Diabetes accounts for 60% of non-traumatic amputations in adults*Diabetes ranks #7 among causes of death in all females in the US, and even higher within certain ethnic backgrounds

One of the most important things someone with diabetes must do to control their overall health is to monitor their sugar intake. This does not mean simply to avoid donuts, candy, and ice cream; but rather to look carefully at everything he or she consumes, because sugar is (just about) everywhere. Even natural sugars contained in fruits and vegetables must be counted towards the total intake. The good news is that there is still plenty of wholesome food out there, free of artificial substitutes and full of good nutrition, and I’m proud to be part of a group of food bloggers showing the way.

Perhaps this post is in the spirit of Thanksgiving after all, reminding us all to give thanks for the health of ourselves and our families, and to be thankful that we all have nutritious and delicious options to nourish ourselves and our loved ones.

This is a fantastic month to get a new blood glucose meter. They are often free or at greatly reduced prices for the month of November, and yes, I knew :-)Also, let me just mention: not everyone is all that crazy about cooking for Thanksgiving, and not everyone wants every November recipe to be turkey and pumpkin. My husband and I always leave the country for the week of Thanksgiving, just to miss all the "excitement," particular the excitement around Black Friday. Trust me, when we are floating around in the ocean enjoying the Caribbean sunshine, hundreds of miles from shore, flocking to the overcrowded stores is the last thing on our minds! So I do appreciate your post that gives us something **else** to think about!

I love your sentiment that dietary restrictions don't have to mean singling a person out when it comes to meals. There's enough fantastic food out there that making something low sugar or gluten free or vegan is not the end of the world. Do you notice that when you identify a food you or someone can't eat to people, that's all they want to cook? I think that's how we end up with so many icky meat substitute products. I didn't like meat growing up, so I told people I was a vegetarian. It was before the vegan craze, and it blew so many people's minds, when really it wasn't a big deal. Made me self-conscious. :(I know what you mean about Thanksgiving! I'm a non-host. Wish I was hosting! It's fun to plan and prep and research recipes! But as a non-host, I'm appreciating the fall but not Thanksgiving dishes I've been seeing, so keep em coming! I'm here and taking note!

Diabetes awareness is important to our family. We have four family members on my husband's side that have Type 1 Diabetes and my niece (who is now in her 20's and has had it for 15 years) is a huge advocate and very involved in the Diabetes community and makes sure that we all get involved as well. I love that you are sharing your diabetic friendly recipes, Cara! And also happy that it has pulled you out of that big black hole! LOL